Question

The simplification of the couple is done on the basis of the ______________

(a) The clockwise of the anti-clockwise rotation sign convention

(b) The simplification is not possible

(c) The couple is a vector and thus can’t be simplified

(d) The couple is a scalar and can’t be simplified

I have been asked this question in semester exam.

My doubt is from Simplification of a Force and Couple System topic in chapter Force System Resultants of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) The clockwise of the anti-clockwise rotation sign convention

To elaborate: The couple is simplified by taking the direction of the rotation of the body as positive or negative. That is if the clockwise direction is positive then the anti-clockwise direction is taken as negative. If the couple is a vector it can be easily simplified by taking the components.